How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost?
The loss of your car keys is not a pleasant experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road quickly by providing Emergency Roadside Service.
It is a good idea to buy an extra key before you lose yours. To make it easier, we have created a guide on the cost of replacement car keys. cost.
Mechanical Keys
Not long ago, misplacing or losing a car key was no big deal. official website could simply purchase a spare key and use it to turn on the ignition. However, today's cars are much more technologically advanced and it is more expensive to replace the key that was lost.
Hiring an auto locksmith is the cheapest option. car key replacement can duplicate a metal key for less than $50. However, this type of key isn't equipped with an electronic chip, and therefore won't be able to unlock the doors or start the engine.
Modern car keys include transponders or chips which must be programmed properly. This can only be done by a professional who knows what they're doing, like a local locksmith or even an expert from a dealership's service department.
The cost to get a mechanical key copied is relatively cheap however, the programming of the chip in modern cars will typically cost more than $300. The best way to avoid this is by making sure you have a backup key, and that you keep it somewhere safe.
There are five kinds of car keys, so it's important to know which one you have prior to getting help with replacing it. An older, standard car key is a classic double-edged metal key that can be put into the ignition cylinder and turned to start your vehicle. These aren't common anymore however you should be able find them at your local hardware store for less than $10.
The next type is the transponder car key. This key has embedded security microchips that transmits a message to the car's computers to open the doors and begin the engine. This key is harder to duplicate than a mechanical one and can only be done with specific tools that are accessible to a locksmith or dealer of cars. The cost for this can be up to $500 or more, based on the make and model of your car.
Transponder Keys
Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or next to your vehicle, it transmits an electronic code that signals your car to start. This feature is great because it stops theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult as a burglar will require both the correct key and transmitter to start your car and drive away with it.
A transponder key costs slightly more than a regular one, but that's only because it needs to be programmed. It is possible to program a transponder key by most locksmiths, but it is best to inquire with your dealer if they can do it. This is because they often have the most experience with these kinds of keys and could be able to provide you with a more competitive price.
Many automakers have their own anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is essential to conduct your research before purchasing your next car. You should be able to find out which type of key it is compatible with and if it requires an electronic remote to unlock it.
Some newer vehicles come with a transponder-based password system. These are more complicated because they require special tools to program them. They are more secure, however, since they utilize rolling-code encryption to change the password each time they are used. This means that if your key were cloned it would not work in your car.
Regardless of what type of key you have regardless of what type, it is vital that you do not attempt to gain entry into your vehicle yourself. This can raise alarms with insurance companies, and many mechanics will refuse to assist you if they observe signs that your vehicle has been forced open or altered. This can make it very hard to get replacement parts, so be sure to speak with an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith.
Laser-Cut Keys
If you have a car that has a laser cut key, you'll find that it's more difficult to lose or get stolen than a traditional key made of metal. Keys with laser cutting do not have a notch on the edge. Instead, they feature a groove that's cut to a particular depth on the key's face. This makes it easy to differentiate between genuine and fake keys when looking at it from the top. The fact that they're so easy to recognize also means that you can avoid being locked out in the event that you happen to misplace your key while you're working or running errands.
If your key is laser-cut then you'll have to contact locksmiths that have equipment to make these types of replacements. Most of the time the hardware store you visit isn't able to make a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery needed to cut and program these types of key fobs.
auto key replacement use an apparatus that resembles a standard drill in order to cut the metal of the key. This will cut the entire surface to the desired length. The unique key's code is then extracted from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications.
Contrary to transponder keys that are normally used, laser-cut keys do not contain any electronic components or chips inside of them that can be replaced, so they must be completely destroyed and replaced with a new key. This is why laser-cut keys are so expensive, since they require a complete reconstruction of the entire key.
It's always an excellent idea to have at least one spare key available in case you do accidentally lose your car key. Then, you can call a locksmith to get the key cut and programmed so you can reenter your vehicle without having pay for it to be tow by the dealer.
Fobs
If you don't own a classic car, chances that your vehicle is equipped with one of the most advanced high-tech fobs which allow you to open and start the car without a key. These keys have special computer chips that need to be programmed to fit your specific vehicle. Some locksmiths are able to do this reprogramming for you but it's generally recommended to let your dealer do it. They are familiar with the car and have all the necessary tools.
The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be up to $500 based on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. That doesn't include the cost of a brand new mechanical backup key that you might need in the event that your fob gets lost or stolen.
It was once the case that losing your car key was a hassle However, now it's a major issue. Richard Reina, CARiD's training director, explains that modern automobiles have made keys so convenient and powerful that thieves are able to take them. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it more difficult for thieves to steal the keys.
The new keys are available in various dimensions and shapes, but the one that comes with transponder and a mechanical key is the most expensive. This "smart key" features a spring-loaded shank that folds down into the fob, similar to an a switchblade. This makes it less likely to get lost or tucked inside a coat pocket. These keys are usually more expensive than standard remote-controlled keys and may need to be replaced by a dealer.
If you have an additional fob that works with your vehicle and can be copied to work with another vehicle, you might think about purchasing an aftermarket replacement from a company like Amazon or a specialist in key and lock that offers programming for various vehicles. You may be able to cut and program your own fob for much less than what a dealer charges and save yourself up to $200 or more. Make sure that the new key and fob you purchase is the same year, make and model as the original to ensure it is programmed to work with your vehicle.